Rather than maintaining long-standing informal arrangements, he is said to be reviewing how royal properties are allocated and used, with a focus on ensuring they meet today’s expectations of transparency and fairness. One key area under consideration is the prevention of subletting royal homes, alongside potential changes that would stop non-working members of the royal family from living in high-value properties without paying rent aligned with full market rates.
The move comes amid growing public scrutiny of royal finances and how effectively royal estates are managed. A recent National Audit Office report also raised questions about certain rental arrangements across parts of the royal estate, further intensifying attention on the issue.
William himself has already been associated with a more modern approach to royal housing. His current arrangements at Forest Lodge in Windsor, where he and his family are expected to continue living, reportedly involve an annual rent of more than £300,000—significantly higher than what previous occupants are believed to have paid.
At the same time, King Charles is said to be maintaining regular reviews of accommodation arrangements for royal family members, with some reports suggesting that rental contributions have increased in recent years as part of broader efforts to align royal housing with commercial standards.
Buckingham Palace has responded positively to the National Audit Office’s findings, describing them as part of an ongoing commitment to greater transparency within the royal household.
